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Beltre reels in fourth career Gold Glove

Beltre reels in fourth career Gold Glove

Adrian Beltre shares his feelings after learning that his defense has been recognized with the 2012 Gold Glove award at third base

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Third baseman Adrian Beltre has won his fourth American League Gold Glove and his second straight with the Rangers.

The winners were announced on Tuesday night and Beltre beat out Brandon Inge of the Athletics and Mike Moustakas of the Royals. Beltre, who had to deal with a series of minor injuries throughout the season, also won in 2007-08 while with the Mariners.

2012 Gold glove winners

POS

AL winner

NL winner

C

Matt Wieters, BAL

Yadier Molina, STL

1B

Mark Teixeira, NYY

Adam LaRoche, WAS

2B

Robinson Cano, NYY

Darwin Barney, CHC

SS

J.J. Hardy, BAL

Jimmy Rollins, PHI

3B

Adrian Beltre, TEX

Chase Headley, SD

LF

Alex Gordon, KC

Carlos Gonzalez, COL

CF

Adam Jones, BAL

Andrew McCutchen, PIT

RF

Josh Reddick, OAK

Jason Heyward, ATL

P

Jeremy Hellickson, TBJake Peavy, CWS

Mark Buehrle, MIA

"They're all special," Beltre said. "It's nice to be recognized for what you've done defensively for your team. But there's no doubt this was a tough year. I didn't play as much on the field as I wanted to, but I'm still happy to be recognized."

Beltre had a strained calf muscle early in the season and a strained left shoulder in September. He also finished the season dealing with some abdominal pain caused by scar tissue from a previous surgery. There was some concern that Beltre might need another procedure, but he has shown enough improvement since the end of the season to make the Rangers' medical staff feel that won't be necessary.

"I'm feeling good," Beltre said. "Hopefully I won't have any more problems with the stomach, and if I do, it will be just a little bit. Right now. I'm not having any issues, so hopefully it won't bother me again."

Beltre was the only winner for the Rangers. Shortstop Elvis Andrus lost out to J.J. Hardy of the Orioles, and David Murphy lost out to Royals left fielder Alex Gordon. Beltre said he was a little bit surprised that Andrus didn't win.

"Especially playing next to him, I know how he has improved and how good he is," Beltre said of Andrus. "Hopefully people will start looking at him the same way I do every day and recognize the job he has done for our team defensively. The competition in the middle of the field is so difficult. You have to be really good, but there's no doubt he'll get one, hopefully sooner than later."

Beltre is now tied with Gary Gaetti and Matt Williams for the 10th-most Gold Gloves won by a third baseman. Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson holds the record with 16. Buddy Bell won six Gold Gloves while playing for the Rangers from 1979-84.

Beltre had a .974 fielding percentage that was the highest among AL third basemen and had the second-highest ultimate zone rating as determined by fangraphs.

"I just love playing my position," Beltre said. "I love to play with the determination to make every play. I take my position as a challenge to make every play I can make."